In Reply To:
We are flying Continential so I think its supposed to be $100 per bike. First we will try the 'distraction' technique and if asked yes we will be very creative. Maybe we'll say we are massage therapists and that there are massage tables inside. :)
Dev's strategy for answering the "what's in the bag question" that has worked for me:
Flight Attendant: "So, what's in the bag?" (Or, "Is that a bicycle?")
Marty: "It's triathlon equipment, ma'am."
FA: "What's that?"
Marty: "Oh, you know, swim-bike-run."
FA: "I see. So, there's a bike in there?"
Marty: "There are bicycle parts in there, yes."
It also helps to (a) arrive WAY early, (b) be nice and friendly (but not flirty unless it comes naturally to you), and (c) don't lie.
BTW Dev if we ever meet in person I owe you a round, you've saved me a bunch of money by recommending this case to me.